Beatrice Farhat

Beatrice Farhat is an editorial assistant for Al-Monitor based in Beirut, Lebanon. On Twitter: @beatricefarhat

Iran | Aug 7, 2023

Iran’s foreign minister meets Japanese counterpart in rare Tokyo trip

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's visit to Japan comes amid mounting tensions in the region over Iran’s nuclear activities and attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf.

Lebanon | Aug 4, 2023

Lebanon marks port blast anniversary amid paralysis, no accountability

As the Lebanese observe a day of mourning three years after the massive explosion that killed more than 200 people and destroyed parts of Beirut, the investigation into the blast remains on hold.

A Lebanese man lifts a national flag during a commemoration ceremony for the victims of the Beirut port explosion across from the capital's harbour, on August 11, 2020. (Photo by PATRICK BAZ / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK BAZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran | Aug 3, 2023

11 Baluchi men executed in Iran as morality police returns to streets

The executions are seen as a way to intimidate the public, while the morality police resumed its work to enforce Iran’s strict Islamic dress code.

Iranian women walk in the street on a rainy day in the capital Tehran, on December 4, 2022. - Iran has scrapped its morality police after more than two months of protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini following her arrest for allegedly violating the country's strict female dress code, local media said Sunday.women (Photo by Atta KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Tunisia | Aug 2, 2023

Tunisia’s president appoints new prime minister amid deepening crisis

The country is facing growing economic woes amid pressure to approve an IMF rescue program.

Syria | Aug 1, 2023

Islamic State attack in Syria targets oil convoy, kills 5 soldiers: Monitor

Islamic State sleeper cells have regularly attacked government forces in central and eastern Syria despite losing the last of their territory in 2019.

Palestine | Jul 31, 2023

What’s behind Palestinian violence in Lebanon’s Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp?

Lebanon’s largest refugee camp, Ain al-Hilweh, is no stranger to violence between rival Palestinian factions.

Smoke rises during clashes in Ain al-Hilweh camp, Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp, near the southern coastal city of Sidon, Feb. 28, 2017.

Yemen | Jul 28, 2023

Shiite Muslims across Middle East mark Ashura amid tensions with West

Muslim countries in the region have criticized Sweden and most recently Denmark for allowing incidents of Quran burnings to happen on their soil.

Shia muslims attend the "Ashura" to commemorate the death of Shia Imam Husayn ibn Ali (a grandson of Muhammad) who died during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, in Istanbul on July 28, 2023. (Photo by YASIN AKGUL / AFP) (Photo by YASIN AKGUL/AFP via Getty Images)

Lebanon | Jul 27, 2023

Lebanon void expands as Central Bank, security, presidential posts go vacant

As the presidential vacuum enters its ninth month, the central bank and the army are also facing a leadership void as political divisions hinder appointments.